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"A regulation-making power, which ... takes a matter of weeks as opposed to years, is a very inspired way of dealing with an industry that has over the years shown itself to be adept at changing the way it operates to suit the circumstances."

The Law Commission also noted in its report in 2010 that targeting RTDs might not be feasible because the alcohol industry would create alternatives, and young people could simply switch to straight spirits.

Last month, the managing directors of industry heavyweights Bacardi, Jim Beam, Brown-Forman and Diageo met Mrs Collins and urged her not to restrict the sale or content of alcopops, a major source of their revenue.

RTDs make up 12 per cent of the alcohol market by volume, and up to 180 million alcopops are sold each year.

RTDs are generally 5 to 12 per cent alcohol by volume, and most are sold in bottle stores.

Distilled Spirits Association chief Thomas Chin said a large part of the industry already self-regulated by setting a cap of two standard drinks per bottle.

A 330ml bottle containing two standard drinks would have an alcohol content of around 8 per cent.

Yesterday, the Labour Party tabled 10 amendments to the reform bill.

The party feels the most important parts of the Law Commission report have been ignored, so it is making a last-ditch attempt to introduce measures on alcohol pricing, marketing and sponsorship.

The amendments include a minimum price for alcohol and warning labels and nutrition guides on beer, wine and spirits.

WATERING DOWNApril 2010

Law Commission recommends alcohol laws be changed to allow banning of "undesirable" products.

November 2010

Government proposes limiting RTDs to 5 per cent alcohol.

May 2012

Government raises proposed limit to 6 per cent in RTDs sold in bottle stores.

Yesterday

Proposed limits on RTD alcohol content and where they can be sold scrapped. Industry told to form its own voluntary code, with Government able to step in and force limits.